Dinner

Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe

ByMatteo Rossi November 17, 2025November 17, 2025

Introduction

This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Packed with shredded rotisserie chicken, deli meats, cheeses, and a tangy vinaigrette, it’s a delicious twist on classic sandwich flavors served in a bowl.

A close-up view of a single toasted cracker topped with a creamy, chunky salad mix that has visible layers of diced red onions, small chunks of yellow and red bell peppers, shredded white cheese, and creamy white dressing speckled with black pepper. The cracker underneath is golden brown with a slightly rough texture, held by a woman's hand with pink nail polish decorated with a white snowflake design, all set against a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups rotisserie chicken (shredded)
1/4 lb. salami or soppressata (diced)
1/4 lb. pepperoni (diced)
1/4 cup provolone, thick-sliced (diced)
1/4 cup crumbled feta
2/3 cup diced grape tomatoes
1/3 cup banana peppers (mild)
1/2 red onion (sliced thin or diced)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup grated parmesan
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1-2 tablespoons banana pepper juice from the jar (to taste)
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
freshly cracked pepper
salt to taste (about 1/4 tsp)

Instructions

Step 1: Start by making the dressing. Combine mayonnaise, grated parmesan, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, oregano, garlic powder, freshly cracked pepper, and salt in a bowl or liquid measuring cup. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, diced salami or soppressata, diced pepperoni, provolone, crumbled feta, diced grape tomatoes, banana peppers, and sliced or diced red onion.
Step 3: Pour most of the dressing over the mixture and toss well to coat all the ingredients thoroughly. Add any remaining dressing if needed to achieve your desired coating.
Step 4: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Serve it chilled with veggies, crackers, tortilla chips, or as a hearty sandwich filling.
Step 5: If you have leftover dressing, keep it in a sealed container in the fridge. Add it to the chicken salad the next day if needed to rehydrate, as some dressing gets absorbed during storage.

Tips & Variations

Use soppressata for a spicier flavor or stick with mild salami for a gentler taste.
Substitute provolone with mozzarella or cheddar cheese if preferred.
Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an extra fresh note.
For a lighter version, swap half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the dressing separate if you want to maintain maximum freshness, or mix it in and expect some absorption. Reheat is not recommended; serve cold or at room temperature for best flavor.

How to Serve

A clear glass bowl filled with a mixed salad showing three main layers: a base of shredded white chicken, scattered with bright red tomato pieces, yellow corn kernels, and thin slices of purple onion, all coated in a creamy white dressing. There are visible chunks of white cheese and thin slices of reddish-brown cured meat mixed throughout, giving a mix of smooth and slightly textured appearances. A golden spoon rests inside the bowl, partially covered by the salad. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use cooked chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can use any cooked, shredded chicken if you don’t have rotisserie chicken on hand. Just make sure it is well seasoned or adjust the dressing accordingly.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad stores well for several days and makes a convenient, flavorful option for lunches or quick dinners. Just keep the dressing separate if you want to prevent sogginess.